Getting to know the photographer...

Its been my experience that people get more excited about being in front of the camera when they know what to expect. I've also found that they are more comfortable being behind my camera when we can both loosen up and be comfortable with each other. 

I've discovered that when photographing wedding parties, it can be somewhat difficult to organize a large group efficiently without, well, sounding cold and bossy. And, I admit...I am kind of bossy. But I prefer not to be on a wedding day of course, the only lady who has any right to be bossy on the wedding day is the bride! So, I thought of an idea to try for a solution.

I've decided to throw together this post to allow my future clients and their wedding parties to get to know me a little better. I plan on making this a staple within my brand and making a care package for members of the wedding party which will include video and photos and information on preparations and of course more details on what to expect, day of. But until then, here is what I've come up with...

About Us:

This is us. We've been together for 6 years, but we're not married...yet! We met working in a country club, we found our love for each other and our love for this business inside the walls of that club. Justin still works there for fun, he's good at his job. 

I'm the boss, hes the second shooter-Don't get it confused, haha! We've been shooting weddings together for 2 years. I have been photographing people for almost 5. We started our own business almost 4 years ago. We also maintain regular clients with our graphic design business.

Justin is the funny, even-tempered one. I am bossy, moody and sometimes too serious. I like an organized wedding day. And for that reason I encourage all brides to have a wedding coordinator. 

When we shoot a wedding, we like the bridal party to be just as much a part of the day as the bride and groom. We love when the whole gang is laughing and having a good time, whilst staying focused on the task at hand. Most people don't realize the amount of work to be done in such a short amount of time on a wedding day. And, without fail, something will go longer than planned and the day will get a little off schedule! We like to stick as close to our provided itinerary as possible, but in the end, we do whatever the bride and groom tell us to do!

What to expect as a member of the wedding party, bride and groom included:

You'll have an hour at the most to capture all the precious moments of intimacy with your hunny. It may seem like a long time, but when there are upwards of 8 people in the wedding party walking around, the organization and styling of those people takes a good portion of that time. The rest of the photographs are taken while you and yours are partyin' it up, So we like to jam pack that hour with as many rockin' shots as possible. We're 'on location' photographers, by choice, which means we travel to different locations, wander around parks and city streets, all the while having you stop, sit, stand and jump in the most random of spots just to get a shot! That's what we do, that's how we like it!

Expect to walk through tall grass, with heels on, that might be wet or where the ground is soft. Or sit in the grass, or lean against a fence....etc...etc... If you're not o.k. with some of those things, speak up ahead of time!! That'll help the flow!

We don't pose. Our style is more organic, ya know, because organic is so popular. But, no, really...we like a natural look. So when we say the stagger in a random array behind the bride and groom, don't even let your mind wander to a single file line from tallest to shortest, shoulder to shoulder. NO WAY JOSE! We want a little of everyone's personality, and creativity in the images. That's what makes them special and unique. We're anti-traditional. For example:

The most important detail that we appreciate the wedding party remember is that you are expected to play a role for the day, and that role includes being awesome for the photos. The bride and groom will appreciate for years and years to come the quality and timelessness of their images with their closest friends and/or family in them. You have a responsibility to be on point when the photographer is shooting. In our case, we like to situate the group and then shoot, shoot, shoot away, so if you're fixing your shoe or looking at the birds, then you're not on point. Help the photographer help your bride and groom! Its somewhat easy to miss one person who may be itching their nose when my focus is mainly on the bride and groom. So, just be courteous be conscious of the job you have to do....AND THEN...when we're done with the photography portion of the day, you can cut loose and party!!

Dance!!! Nothing makes memories like the dance floor filled up with the wedding party surrounding the new, happy couple!! So, get your butt up and dance!!

Smile!! If you're in an ear-shot of the couple at any given time, chances are, you're going to be in a shot or two when you might not expect it, so plaster on that happy smile!!

Our process tends to run like this for traditional weddings:

• After the ceremony, we head immediately to the designated area for immediate family photographs. All other guests should be instructed by someone in charge to head to the reception location.

• After the family photos the family will then travel to the reception as well, to host the guests until the wedding party arrives.

• The wedding party then travels to the photo location where the wedding party photos are done first. We'll shoot for a quick 15-20 minutes with the wedding party and then they will be asked to wait either in the limo, or some other location while the bride and groom have their intimate portraits.

Some details you may over-look, that are important for us to be awesome!

• Remember to give out your itinerary. To family, to the wedding party, to the coordinator. So everyone knows where and when to be!!
• Family should be made aware ahead of time where to meet for the family photo portion of the day and the time to meet. This keeps things moving nice and smooth!
• Only the wedding party should be attending the wedding party photo portion of the day. If there are small children in the party, such as ring bearers and flower girls, they will not be taking part in the wedding party portion of the day, their photos will be taken with the family photos so that they can disperse to the reception. The reason for this is because supervision may become an issue if all adults are occupied by being in the photos. Also, other family members should not tag along during this time. In this case more is not merrier. It is more efficient to have only the people in the photographs attend this portion. The reason for this is over-all less confusion. This applies is you choose to take photographs before the festivities, after, or in between. I'm weird, I've gotta have a nice feng shui.
• Include travel time in your itinerary. And remember, a limo travels much slower than an average vehicle. 
• Decide ahead of time whether or not you are having a receiving line, and stick to that decision. This portion of the day can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. If an unexpected receiving line pops up, we loose precious shooting time!!
•  Its a really big help for everyone if someone is designated to gather the wedding party's personal belongings after the ceremony - or - if the wedding party could have their belongings packed in the car right before the ceremony. This way noone has to run around after gathering things up, when they're supposed to be in a photo, or in the car on the way to the photo location!
• I have a feeling this is a running list...so, I'll think of more later!

So, I guess I can finish up by saying that I've decided to create this post, not for my betterment, but for the betterment of the final product. If things run smooth and everyone is having a good time, then the photographs will showcase JUST that! And, that my friends, is my ultimate goal. I can handle the stress, I can be bossy, and I can shoot like a mad women if we're running late, but....if everyone does their part I shouldn't have to and then we'll ALL have more fun!!

Thanks for reading, and I truly look forward to meeting you!